The Firdous Market Underpass project has become a test for the LDA as recent rains and delays in construction work have led to overall delays in timely completion of the project. The Firdous Market Underpass project has suffered huge financial loss to the tune of Rs10 million due to rains.
According to LDA sources, the project has suffered a huge loss in the last rains. LDA officials and contractors have resumed work on the project. The shuttering of the project is badly damaged and rainwater entered the underpass barrel, for which additional dewatering set and labour had to be installed to extract water from the underpass.
The rain has also forced the administration to stop underpass excavation to damage to the excavation. Project officials say despite weather vagaries, work on the project will be continued at a brisk pace. Project Director Iqrar Qureshi said efforts are being made to speed up work on the project.
The cornerstone of the project was laid by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on May 18. However, work order and regular work started on June 5. The chief minister has given a three months time for completion of the project.
The Punjab Chief Minister’s deadline will expire on September 5, while LDA officials are of the view that weather conditions have caused the most delay in the schedule. It is feared that the weather pattern could cause bother delay in the completion and increase in the cost of the project.
